Celebrate newcomers at Nathan Phillips Square. Toronto Newcomer Day offers a fun and welcoming atmosphere where everyone can learn about services for newcomers and experience Toronto’s rich diversity. Admission is free.
Enjoy cultural performances, activities for all ages, a food fair, marketplace and more than 100 information booths where you can meet representatives from local organizations.
Learn about and take home resources for lots of services that can help you settle into Toronto.
Booths include:
11 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Enter the Spirit Garden’s Teaching Lodge and experience the wisdom of generations with elders: Aalpi Kumarluk, Anthony Gladue and Phil Davbis. Embark on an unforgettable journey of reflection, tradition and connection that provides a deeper understanding of local Indigenous culture. Let the presentation and captivating stories open your heart and expand your awareness of First Nations perspectives. This 30-minute indoor program was developed by Toronto Council Fire.
10, 10:30 and 11 a.m.
Uncover the diverse neighbourhood that once existed where Nathan Phillips Square and City Hall stand today. Presented with an emphasis on anti-oppression, anti-colonialism and anti-racism, this 30-minute outdoor tour is led by staff from the City’s Toronto History Museums.
10, 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m.
Toronto City Hall, which opened in 1965, is the heart of the city and is recognized internationally as an architectural masterpiece. Discover the structural features, public art and highlights of this iconic building with a trained tour guide. All visitors to City Hall must go through a security screening, which includes a walk-through metal detector. Please arrive 20 minutes early ahead of your tour.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Join Chinatown Community Lion Dance for a fun and interactive performance at the City Hall Toronto Public Library branch. Learn more about the various aspects of lion dance. All ages are welcome.
Spin the wheel with questions and facts about local government. Use a pin to mark where you live on a large map. This activity is led by the City’s Clerk’s Office.
Come by Toronto Public Library’s tent to register for your free library card. Bring your current name and address identification.
Try a variety of sports at this interactive pop-up. All ages and skill levels welcome.
Experience a Sacred Fire led by Indigenous Fire-Keepers from Toronto Council Fire. Learn about the four medicines (Tobacco, Sage, Cedar and Sweetgrass) and make an offering.
See a large, collaborative artwork. Newcomers painted tiles in response to three guiding questions: What is home? What is love? What is family? Then, Residential School survivors, their families and community participants painted tiles with messages of hope for newcomers. The completed works are represented in the orange t-shirts on display.
Enter a welcoming tent that gradually transforms into a vibrant installation filled with art and stories created by you. The walls become a living collage of newcomer experiences – visually rich, layered and deeply personal – inviting you to pause, reflect and connect with one another.
Celebrate the event with temporary body art known as Henna.
Are you a newcomer artist? Connect with experienced artists and mentors for personalized, one-on-one consultations. Bring your portfolio for reviews, get resources and career guidance from Toronto Arts Foundation Mentor-in-Residence.
Mark your place of origin on a shared world map using colourful stickers and pins. Over the course of the day, these markers will form a collective portrait of the diverse journeys that converge at the event, highlighting connection, movement and shared presence. This activity is led by Neighbourhood Arts Network.
12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
Enjoy a program featuring:
Delight in music, movement and spontaneous interactions with performers, including clowns, dancers, actors and musicians.
See a variety of artwork become a living, moving experience that reflects migration journeys.
Explore a dozen booths of newcomer artists and entrepreneurs showcasing and selling handmade goods and original artwork.
Get a taste of the world at the food fair. Check out four newcomer-owned and operated food trucks and two community-based catering collectives, offering culturally diverse foods for sale.
Nathan Phillips Square
100 Queen St. W. in front of City Hall
Parking is available under the square and nearby. Find Green P parking lots available.
Get to the event by subway, streetcar or local bus. The closest subway station is Queen and buses and streetcars stop near the intersection of Queen & Bay streets. Visit TTC.ca to plan your trip.
Take the GO Train or GO Bus to Union Station, then walk or take the TTC to Nathan Phillips Square. Children aged 12 and under ride for free.
Learn about discounted GO Weekday Group Passes.
Travel from Pearson Airport to Union Station with UP Express, then walk or transfer to the TTC to get to Nathan Phillips Square. Children aged 12 and under ride for free.
